Get ready for a day filled with music, community spirit, and the timeless tunes of Jerry Garcia at the 28th Annual Jerry Bash, taking place in the beautiful Pioneer Park, Nevada City. Hosted by the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, this beloved family-friendly event on Saturday, August 3rd, celebrates the life and musical legacy of the Grateful Dead’s iconic frontman in the heart of Nevada City.
Nestled along the scenic Deer Creek, Pioneer Park in Nevada City provides the perfect backdrop for this joyous occasion. Gretchen Bond, Miners Foundry Executive Director, enthusiastically shares her long-standing connection to the event: “When The Deadbeat’s drummer Gary Campus approached me years ago about hosting Jerry Bash in Pioneer Park, I immediately saw the potential. This annual celebration truly embodies the essence of our community, and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of it.”
Jerry Bash began as a heartfelt tribute in 1996, a year after Jerry Garcia’s passing on August 9, 1995. Local band The Deadbeats, wanting to honor the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, organized a free concert in Pioneer Park. What started as a simple memorial has blossomed into a highly anticipated annual festival, drawing music lovers, friends, and neighbors together in Nevada City.
People enjoying live music at Jerry Bash in Pioneer Park Nevada City
This year’s Jerry Bash at Pioneer Park, Nevada City promises a fantastic lineup of live music on the bandshell stage from afternoon into the evening. Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with food vendors offering delicious bites, refreshing drinks including local brews from BrewBilt Brewing Company, and artisan crafts to explore.
The musical lineup is packed with talent, headlined by the ever-popular The Deadbeats, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year! Joining them are Kelly Flemming, and Kellie Garmire & Friends, who will delve into “The Roots of the Grateful Dead,” exploring the blues, folk, and rock influences that shaped the band’s iconic sound. Caltucky will bring their unique energy with a set remembering Old & in the Way, Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass project. Rounding out the diverse musical offerings is Wolf Jett, returning by popular demand with their captivating “Cosmic Mountain Music,” a blend of folk, blues, and Americana.
The festival gates open at 1:30 p.m., with music kicking off at 2:00 p.m. and continuing until 10 p.m., ensuring a full day of entertainment in Pioneer Park. For those looking for an extra special experience at Pioneer Park Nevada City, V.I.P tickets are available. These tickets offer reserved tables, access to a V.I.P lounge with a no-host bar, complimentary appetizers, and exclusive access to the Nevada City pool within Pioneer Park from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thirty Years of The Deadbeats and Jerry Bash Tradition in Nevada City
This year’s Jerry Bash holds extra significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of The Deadbeats. Formed on August 4, 1994, at an open mic night in Nevada City’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen Pub, The Deadbeats quickly became a local favorite. Their faithful yet improvisational renditions of the Grateful Dead’s songbook have resonated with audiences across Northern California for three decades.
The Deadbeats performing live music at Jerry Bash festival in Nevada City
Tom Menig, guitarist and frontman of The Deadbeats, describes their approach: “The Deadbeats were always inspired by the spirit of the music without being a wax museum copy of the Grateful Dead. We just have fun, which was kind of their mantra anyway.” The band, featuring Tom and Eric Menig, Peter Wilson, Rob Kopp, Gary Campus, Glenn Tucker, and Jenn Knapp, has seen members come and go over the years, but their core passion remains. This year, past members are invited to join the celebration, promising a memorable reunion performance.
Adding to the excitement, special guests including Paul Kamm of Achilles Wheel and alumni drummers will join The Deadbeats on stage. A drum jam, nodding to Mickey Hart and Planet Drum, is highly anticipated by long-time fans.
David Lloyd, Miners Foundry Program Manager and a Grateful Dead enthusiast, fondly recalls his first Jerry Bash experience in Pioneer Park: “I attended my first Jerry Bash in 2022, and was amazed that Nevada County hosted such a fantastic Jerry-centric event annually.” He is particularly looking forward to Caltucky’s tribute to Old & In the Way, highlighting the bluegrass roots of Jerry Garcia’s musical journey. He also praises the return of Wolf Jett, noting their impressive debut at Jerry Bash in 2022.
Experience Jerry Bash at Pioneer Park: Know Before You Go
- Event: 28th Annual Jerry Bash
- Date: Saturday, August 3rd
- Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Gates open at 1:30 PM)
- Location: Pioneer Park, 421 Nimrod Street, Nevada City
Ticket Information:
- General Admission Advance: $30
- General Admission Gate: $35
- Youth General Admission (16 & Under): $10 (Available at the gate only)
- Babes in Arms: Free
- VIP Experience Add On: $120 (Does not include admission ticket) – Includes reserved picnic table for 6, VIP Lounge access, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and Pioneer Park Pool access.
Don’t miss out on this incredible community celebration of music and Jerry Garcia’s enduring legacy at Pioneer Park, Nevada City. Purchase your tickets online today through the Miners Foundry Box Office or by phone at (530) 265-5040. Join the party and experience the magic of Jerry Bash in Pioneer Park!
